Rowing training, school, baking cakes - that is how a typical day looks for Haberfield schoolgirl Molly Cameron who has won the Rising Star Award at the Australasian Cake Oscars.
"When I was really little my mum and dad were both working full-time and we had a Polish nanny who was really into baking and we'd bake together. From there I started making lots of cake mixes and just getting in the kitchen more and more," said Molly, 14, a Year 9 student at PLC Sydney.
"When I was about 10, I asked my mum if I could make a website to start selling my cakes - she thought 'ugh here she goes again' because I had tried lemonade stands and things like that before. It's gone crazy from there."
Despite her initial scepticism, Molly's mum is now totally on board, including making the trip to Brisbane so Molly could take part in the International Cake Show, where she won her prize.
"I was the youngest vendor and the youngest award winner. I really didn't expect to win, the people I was nominated with have been in business a little longer than me and are a bit more experienced - some of their cakes and cookies were incredible," said Molly. "It was very busy, and very tiring."
It's not only the cake show judges Molly's buttercream creations have caught the attention of - her Instagram page (@mollys_kitchen_sydney) has earned just under 35,000 followers.
"I never expected that. During lockdown I had a lot more time to make content and find new ways to show off my cakes and it's just picked up since then," she said. Now Molly's Kitchen is taking off, Molly said she can be more selective about what orders to take on. With her school commitments, she only has time to make three or four cakes a week.
"I make custom cakes, so for every cake you have to think about the colour scheme of the event and if they want flowers," she said. "Cakes aren't just for eating as a dessert at a party, they're a centrepiece and a part of the decoration as well."
Molly has baked and decorated cakes for all sorts of occasions, from birthdays to baptisms. She's even made a wedding cake - for her science teacher. "She was super happy with it, which was good."
Have something to say? Send a letter to the editor at: editor@innerwestreview.com.au
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content:
- Bookmark Inner West Review
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Facebook
- Follow us on Twitter
- Follow us on Instagram
